Charleston Kanawha Valley

May 8^th /63

 

Dear Friends at Home

               My letters are always short and for that reason I write more frequently knowing how anxious parrents are in regard to their children in the Army.

 

            My health is very good and I think I have been very fortunate thus far, having been in the field two long years I still live, move and find my rations perfectly palatable, and should nothing pass through me larger than a 32lb shell I think I shall survive the third and last year of my term.

 

            I have just received a Medina / Gazette in which is a short letter which I wrote them by request a few days ago. I send you the paper and a photograph of a friend. Please preserve them for me for future remembrance

 

            I received a good long letter from Sophronia a few days ago. All well in Bainbridge

 

            We will remain here probably all summer. Our Regt is going to be mounted as Regular Cavelry as soon as possible We are entrenching and fortifying very strongly expecting the enemy will attact us this summer.

 

            Give my love to all and rest assured that I am contented and in no more danger than I would be at home I should like to have Pa write to me and all the rest at home /

                                               

Respectfully your Boy & Brother

J. C. Barton

Co. C 23^rd Regt O.V.I.

Charleston Va

 

W^m Barton

            Western Star

                        Ohio

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